Food Stamp Increase From Biden The Largest In Program's History

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The nation's food stamp program is expected to see its largest permanent increase later this year after the Biden administration has moved to revise its nutrition standards, The New York Times was among the first to report Sunday.

The average benefits for the 42 million people enrolled in the program will increase by more than 25 percent from pre-coronavirus pandemic levels, according to The Times' report. The new rules will increase the average monthly benefits from $121 per person to $157 per person.

The move revises the U.S. Agricultural Department's Thrifty Food Plan, which the government uses to estimate the cost of an economical and nutritious diet.

Proponents of the increase say the change will lead to less food insecurity and better overall health. Opponents pointed to the program's name — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — as reason for the program to only provide some, not all, of a family's diet, and that the benefits would last those in the program longer if they used them better.

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